Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Illegal Migration: English Channel

Monday 9 November 2020 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Department taking steps with French authorities to prevent illegal crossings from beaches and considering action at sea.
  • Two individuals were convicted for facilitating illegal crossings, with nearly 100 arrests made this year.
  • Working with French counterparts to fund gendarmes patrolling beaches, successfully stopping nearly 5,000 crossings this year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Craig Tracey Con
Migrants & Borders
Context

The issue of migrants using small boats to cross the channel illegally, leading to tragic fatalities and dangerous conditions.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to stop migrants crossing the English Channel illegally. The crossings are facilitated by reckless criminals, are unnecessary as France has a well-functioning asylum system, and lead to tragic fatalities last month. Why are these illegal crossings not being stopped?

Answer from Chris Philp

Working with the French authorities to prevent embarkations from beaches, considering action at sea, and taking robust law enforcement measures leading to nearly 100 arrests this year. Two individuals were convicted last week for facilitating illegal crossings.

Answered
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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Questioning why people are choosing to leave France despite it being a safe country with a functioning asylum system.

Question

Why does he think people want to leave France, even though it is a safe and civilised country where one can seek protection through its well-functioning asylum system?

Answer from Chris Philp

A variety of motives likely include language barriers. People seeking protection should claim asylum in France, as it is a safe country with no reason to attempt dangerous crossings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Avoids providing concrete reasons why people leave France

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Q3 Damian Collins Con
Migrants & Borders
Context

Concern about the worsening situation of migrant crossings leading to loss of life and concerns for coastal communities, as well as profiteering by people-trafficking gangs.

Question

What progress is being made in preventing more crossings from France or stopping boats at sea and returning them? If migrants see they cannot enter Britain this way, fewer will attempt it. What steps are taken with French counterparts?

Answer from Chris Philp

Working with the French to prevent embarkations through funding gendarmes who patrol beaches, successfully stopping nearly 5,000 crossings this year. Investigating action at sea if obvious that nobody can cross. Returning migrants under Dublin regulations; three flights this week will contain cross-channel migrants.

Answered
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Q4 Craig Tracey Con
Migrants & Borders
Context

Request for confirmation of steps being taken with French counterparts to stop the small boats before they leave.

Question

Does the Minister agree that preventing small boats from ever leaving European shores is the best way? What specific steps are being taken with French counterparts?

Answer from Chris Philp

Agrees; funding additional gendarmes to prevent embarkations, supporting French efforts for safe accommodation, investigating action at sea. If crossings seem impossible, nobody will attempt them due to health and safety concerns and criminal gang prevention.

Answered
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Q5 Joanna Cherry SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Discussion on the legality of crossing without a visa under international law and suggestions to focus on creating safe legal routes.

Question

Extends sympathies to relatives of fatalities. Asylum entry without visas is not illegal per UNHCR advice, but crossings are irregular and unsafe. Would it be better to create safe legal routes for asylum seekers? Also asks about anti-lawyer rhetoric from the Home Secretary.

Answer from Chris Philp

France is a safe country. Many asylum seekers use legal routes, and the UK has resettled 25,000 people directly from conflict zones over five years. Supports fighting vexatious legal claims appropriately.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Avoids addressing Home Secretary's anti-lawyer rhetoric

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